Heavens Portfolio Australia has hosted a group of travel advisors on a seven-night famil through three regions of Vietnam, beginning in Ho Chi Minh City before tracing a path north through the coast, the ancient imperial capital of Hue, and into the mountain valleys beyond.
The trip opened with a night at Fusion Original Saigon Centre, centrally located and well-appointed, a practical and comfortable base for any client routing through Ho Chi Minh City before venturing further afield.
From there, the group headed south to Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a beachfront retreat set on a five-kilometre stretch of white sand in Bình Thuan Province, framed by the region’s historic Ke Ga lighthouse and rolling sand dunes.
“Azerai Ke Ga Bay has this quiet energy that just flows through the gardens, pools and open spaces – everywhere you look, there’s striking detail. It feels serene, peaceful and familiar, like staying at a close friend’s coastal home, with sunsets each evening that glow the same shade of pink as the region’s famed dragon fruit.”
The journey continued north to Hue, an often-overlooked city that rewards those who find it. Quieter and more intimate than Vietnam’s larger urban centres, it carries a depth of history that few cities in the region can match. The group visited the Imperial City and the Forbidden City, remnants of Vietnam’s royal legacy that still feel alive with the past, before ending the day with a private audience with a Buddhist monk, a rare and grounding encounter. Their base throughout was Azerai La Residence, Hue, the former French Governor’s mansion set along the Perfume River.
“A timeless sanctuary steeped in history that lingers long after you leave with stories, art and antiques throughout its halls, the perfect base for exploring this small, fascinating old city.”
The final two nights were spent at Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a 50-hectare retreat nestled in the foothills of the Trường Sơn Mountains, 45 minutes from Hue. Centred on natural hot springs and a signature Japanese onsen programme, Alba offers daily wellness rituals, healthy locally sourced cuisine, and long hiking trails through pristine mountain surrounds.
“Alba is a true sanctuary for nature and home to colourful butterflies and the gentle chorus of frogs at night, creating a natural white noise to drift off to. It’s also a place of purpose, with a conservation area dedicated to helping revive the endangered Vietnamese Sika Deer, and a neighbouring summer camp for local schoolchildren.”
The famil was made possible with international and domestic flights courtesy of Vietnam Airlines.
“Each destination reminded me just how multifaceted Vietnam is, from beautiful coastlines to historic cities and wellness escapes surrounded by mountains,” Heavens Portfolio Australia sales director Abigail Leslie said. “Very grateful for the opportunity to keep exploring this remarkable country, one region at a time.”
The travel advisor group included:
- Nicolle Whitaker – Spencer Travel
- Kathy Kotzias – Out & About Travel
- Lara Vale – Savenio; Alex McManus – The Cruise Centre
- Wolf Aron – FBI Travel
- Anna Mercado – Vietnam Airlines
- Abigail Leslie – Heavens Portfolio Australia director of sales
